Custonaci – The Sanctuary

Il Sanctuary

Standing on topofa hillock, the centerof thecity plan. Forhis featuresrises majestically. It is assumedalready existedin this placea shrinededicated to the ImmaculateMother of God, in or near atower–fortress.

Itisthe womb fromwhich it was bornand has formedthetown, its heart, is an expressionof the love thatGod has forthis people:
“Let them make mea sanctuaryandI will dwellin their midst” (Cf. Es 25,8).

The Framework

The picture, paintedin oil on woodprepared withgesso,dates from the fifteenthcentury, probably the workof the School ofAntonello daMessina.JohnMonte, however, itgoes backevento St.Luke the EvangelistLukeortheGhost.The origin of theFrameworkis lost in timeand legend.According to the consistentand unanimoustradition, a shipsailedfrom Alexandriafor France,he was caughtin a terrible stormandmiraculouslylandedin the bay ofBuguto, at MountHood,wherethe sailors hadmade ​​a vow toleavethe sacredimageerectinga chapel.To protect itfrom the incursionsof the Turks, however, decidedto take herto the nearbyCustonaci, which then tookthe grand title. The beautifuleffigy, was solemnlyencour-quires by the Vatican Chapterin 1752andisstillreveredin manylocations.

All images usedbelong to their respectiveowners

WorshipandCelebration

The festivities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Custonaci were beginning in 1752, the year of solemn coronation. Before this date, for centuries the only party at the same date was that of the Immaculate Conception, December 8. At first it was a custom to celebrate the festival in the last days of August, then, with the letters of the Bishop Mgr. Ugo Pape in 1785 on commission from the Holy Father, the holiday was designated for the last Wednesday of August, the day on which the recitation of the office and putting their own, legally and precept. 1785 was the year of the first festival procession and the last Wednesday of August.

The festivities in honor of Maria SS. of Custonaci were from the beginning something unique. The party, in fact, is not the common and consists of 4 days. The Sunday before the last Wednesday of August opens the festivities. On this day, before the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Mayor of Custonaci recites a prayer of entrustment, lights a candle and the keys to the city. The priest, however, does depose the head of the Holy Virgin and the infant Jesus crowns in 1700. Monday is the day on which recreates the legendary landing place of the sacred in “Cala Buguto” Framework. It is welcomed in prayer by thousands and thousands of faithful pilgrims come to this place. Followed by a torchlight procession to the Sanctuary. On Tuesday we solemnly celebrate the First Vespers. Wednesday is the day of the party. Holy Mass in the morning and in the afternoon the procession through the streets of the city. On this day, in our sanctuary, you can obtain a plenary indulgence.

Escursione- Excursions

Transfer

B&B Orange Paradise

Due to its location allows you to easily reach many tourist destinations in the Trapani area, from stunning beaches to the different archaeological sites as Mothia and Segesta, Erice up the medieval atmosphere. From Trapani you can reach the Egadi Islands.